The Top 20 Things to Plant in July in Zone 5: A Gardening Guide

The Top 20 Things to Plant in July in Zone 5: A Gardening Guide

Ah, July in Zone 5—a time when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the weeds are plotting their takeover. But fear not, brave gardener! With this list of the top 20 things to plant in July, you'll be ready to turn your garden into a veritable paradise of produce. Let's dive in, and remember, gardening is supposed to be fun, so let’s keep it light!

1. Beans

   • Care Tips: Plant these speedy growers in well-drained soil, water regularly, and provide a trellis for support. Think of them as your needy friends who require constant attention but give you gifts in return.
   • Fall Harvest: Crisp, green pods that snap like a diva at a drama audition. Perfect for salads, stir-fries, or just snacking on the spot.

2. Beets

   • Care Tips: Beets love loose, sandy soil. Keep them moist and thin the seedlings to avoid overcrowding. They don’t like to share, so give them space.
   • Fall Harvest: Round, ruby-red roots that look like they belong in a fancy restaurant dish. Bonus: beet greens make a nutritious side!

3. Broccoli

   • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and keep the soil rich and moist. Think of broccoli as a picky eater at a buffet—it wants the best of everything.
   • Fall Harvest: Dense, green florets that scream health and wellness. Your future self will thank you during cold and flu season.

4. Brussels Sprouts

   • Care Tips: These need a long growing season, so start them now. Plant in full sun and rich soil, and stake them as they grow taller. They're like the awkward teenager who eventually becomes the star athlete.
   • Fall Harvest: Tiny cabbage-like heads that are perfect for roasting with bacon. You’ll either love them or hate them, but they’re worth the effort.

5. Cabbage

   • Care Tips: Plant in rich soil and water regularly. Cabbage likes to stay hydrated—think of it as the friend who always carries a water bottle.
   • Fall Harvest: Large, firm heads that are great for coleslaw, sauerkraut, or just making you feel accomplished.

6. Carrots

   • Care Tips: Plant in loose, sandy soil and keep them moist. Thin them out to avoid the tangled mess that happens when you forget to separate your laundry.
   • Fall Harvest: Sweet, crunchy roots that Bugs Bunny would envy. Perfect for soups, stews, or just eating raw.

7. Cauliflower

   • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and keep the soil rich and moist. They need a lot of love and care, like a high-maintenance pet.
   • Fall Harvest: White, dense heads that can be roasted, mashed, or turned into pizza crust if you’re feeling adventurous.

8. Collard Greens

   • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and keep the soil moist. These greens are hardy, like the friend who can handle anything.
   • Fall Harvest: Big, leafy greens that are perfect for soups, stews, or sautéing with garlic. Southern comfort in plant form.

9. Kale

   • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Kale is the hipster of the garden world—it’s trendy but actually worth the hype.
   • Fall Harvest: Curly, leafy greens that are nutrient powerhouses. Great for salads, smoothies, or kale chips.

10. Lettuce

    • Care Tips: Plant in partial shade and keep the soil moist. Lettuce grows quickly, so it’s like instant gratification in the garden world.
    • Fall Harvest: Crisp, fresh leaves that make salads exciting again. You’ll never want to buy store-bought lettuce again.

11. Mustard Greens

    • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and keep the soil moist. Mustard greens are the spicy rebels of the garden.
    • Fall Harvest: Peppery, tender leaves that add a kick to salads and sautés. Perfect for the adventurous eater.

12. Peas

    • Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and provide a trellis for support. Peas are like your clingy friend who always needs a shoulder to lean on.
    • Fall Harvest: Sweet, tender pods that are perfect for snacking, stir-fries, or adding to pasta dishes.

13. Radishes

    • Care Tips: Plant in loose, well-drained soil and keep them moist. Radishes grow quickly, so they’re the sprinters of the vegetable world.
    • Fall Harvest: Crunchy, spicy roots that add a zing to salads. Plus, they’re great for impatient gardeners.

14. Spinach

    • Care Tips: Plant in partial shade and keep the soil moist. Spinach is like the overachiever in the garden—it grows quickly and produces a lot.
    • Fall Harvest: Tender, nutrient-rich leaves that are perfect for salads, smoothies, or sautéing. Popeye would approve.

15. Swiss Chard

    • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Swiss chard is like the colorful artist in your friend group—vibrant and full of personality.
    • Fall Harvest: Bright, leafy greens with colorful stems that are perfect for sautéing or adding to soups. A feast for the eyes and the stomach.

16. Turnips

    • Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and keep them moist. Turnips are like the underappreciated workhorse of the garden.
    • Fall Harvest: Round, white roots with a slightly sweet flavor. Great for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.

17. Zucchini

    • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and rich soil. Zucchini grows like it’s on a mission, so be ready to harvest often.
    • Fall Harvest: Long, green squash that can be grilled, baked, or turned into zoodles. Prepare for an abundance!

18. Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Parsley)

    • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Herbs are like the cool kids of the garden—easy to grow and always popular.
    • Fall Harvest: Fresh, aromatic leaves that can be used to elevate any dish. Perfect for seasoning, garnishing, and showing off your culinary skills.

19. Pumpkins

    • Care Tips: Plant in full sun and rich soil. Pumpkins need a lot of space, so think of them as the garden divas who demand their own room.
    • Fall Harvest: Large, orange fruits that are perfect for carving, pie-making, and impressing your neighbors. Halloween, here you come!

20. Garlic

    • Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and full sun. Garlic is like the secret weapon of the garden—unassuming but powerful.
    • Fall Harvest: Bulbs that add flavor to any dish. Plus, they keep vampires away (allegedly).

So there you have it—your July planting guide for Zone 5. Happy gardening! May your harvest be bountiful and your weeds be few!